Jesus says to me:
“Be patient, soul of mine, with your twofold exertion. It is a time of suffering. Do you know how tired I was in the final days? You see this. When walking, I leaned on John, Peter, Simon, and even Judas.... That’s right. And I, who radiated miracles when my clothing was simply grazed, could not change that heart! Let me lean on you, little John, to repeat the words already spoken in the last days to those obstinately insensitive people over whom the announcement of my torment passed without penetrating. And also let the Master speak of his hours of preaching on the sad plain of the Specious Water. And I shall bless you twice over. For your exertion and your mercy. I number your efforts and gather in your tears. To efforts made out of love for one’s brothers and sisters there shall be given the reward for those who consume themselves to make God known to men. To your tears over my suffering in the final week there shall be given Jesus’ kiss as a reward. Write and be blessed.” 17
17 We pass over thirty-four handwritten pages dated March 4, 5, and 6, containing three episodes belonging to The First Year of the Public Life.